Author Topic: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~  (Read 1825 times)

Offline MysteRy

~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« on: June 02, 2014, 09:09:26 AM »
Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece

Athens is the city capital of Greece and is a major tourist destination, thanks to its fabulous historical and cultural legacy, a plenty of natural resources and friendly people. Everyone can find his own lovely pastime among the city - from extreme water sports and adventures, to a relaxing walk in a park, for example. However, even a whole vacation is insufficient to take full advantage of what this historic town has to offer. Thus, next is a short list with the Top 10 attractions in Athens, which are definitely ten irresistible reasons why you should visit this city.


1. The Acropolis   



The Acropolis is a symbolic landmark in Athens, indeed, this is arguably the most significant acropolis in the world. This cultural and historical place is located right in the center of the city, where a flat and massive rock creates a perfect foundation for a couple of buildings and monuments. Some of the most recognizable are the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, the Propylaea and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus stone theatre. Moreover, you can come across many other artifacts, fragments and relics from before the era of the Byzantine Greece. The Acropolis is also one of the most photographed attractions in Athens, because of a unique combination of colours and lights. The prevalent white colour of the Acropolis is fabulously harmonized with the surrounding green trees and plants. The sunsets are speechless and captivating.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2014, 09:12:38 AM »
2. Panathenaic Stadium   



The Panathenaic Stadium is located right in the city center, along the southeastern side of the National Gardens. The stadium was first built years BC, then rebuilt, and after an excavation and restoration during the end of the 19th century, the Panathenaic Stadium offers its current inspiring outlook. In 1896 the stadium hosted the first Olympic Games, while in the recent years it was used mainly for celebrations and music events. However, the Panathenaic Stadium is arguably the largest and the most impressive tourist landmark in the city center. The stadium is most famous for its white marble construction, where numerous steps of marble create a scene for over 45,000 visitors. The stadium also has a long track, which uniquely allows you to imagine the sport atmosphere of that time.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2014, 09:13:28 AM »
3. Plaka   



The neighborhood of Plaka is gorgeously situated between the Acropolis and the Mount Lycabettus. During a vacation or just an impromptu trip in Athens, make sure to enjoy a short trip among the streets of the oldest district of the city. The Plaka is a paradise for pedestrians, where a variety of picturesque multi-coloured stone buildings deliver a very captivating addition to the vibrant streets. Among the Plaka you can come across numerous stores, cafes, restaurants and many other eateries. Overall, this is a very scenic place, where you can spend even a whole day in relaxing walks among the history of Greece. However, each relaxing trip among the district of Plaka might be easily transformed into a very exciting shopping therapy, for example.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2014, 09:15:01 AM »
4. Temple of Olympian Zeus   



Also in the center of Athens is located another popular attraction - the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Regrettably, you can come across only a few remains of the majestic temple of Zeus. It is believed that it was built in 6th century BC, but the final construction was accomplished after many decades. However, today you can take advantage of a splendid view of several columns, which rise majestically over a green square. The major section includes columns, which are ornamented at their tops with precise details. There is also a collapsed column. In general, the whole area of the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a mystic place to visit, while the view to the horizon is incredible, especially at sunset.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2014, 09:16:00 AM »
5. Mount Lycabettus   



The Mount Lycabettus is the highest point of the city, as well as a mystic and inspiring addition to the whole cityscape of Athens. A rocky limestone hill is bordered by pine forest, to create the incredible outlook of the Mount Lycabettus. This is a very appealing place to escape awhile from the noisy streets and to enjoy a very relaxing afternoon, high above the city lights. Through a cable railway you can climb atop the mount and to enjoy a splendid and a very inspiring panoramic view to the cityscape, especially during sunset. Atop the Mount Lycabettus you can come across the Saint George's chapel at the western side, a restaurant and an outdoor theater at the eastern side. The salty air is very refreshing as well.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2014, 09:16:41 AM »
6. The Ancient Agora of Athens   



The Ancient Agora of Athens is another interesting attractions in Athens that you don`t want to miss. Among a huge area are situated several ancient buildings, monuments and other structures, which date from the 6th century BC. You can come across numerous remains of columns and other marble constructions, which are definitely inspiring sights to witness. Actually, it`s a little strange to believe that the whole area was a Roman plaza with a number of monuments, including the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Aphrodite Urania, the Altar of the Twelve Gods and many other ancient landmarks.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2014, 09:17:22 AM »
7. The National Garden



The National Garden is a very appealing place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Picturesquely situated right next to the building of the Greek Parliament in the city center, the National Garden tempts with its beautiful flora and fauna. There is a network of walking paths, which are also best for sightseeing and jogging among the tall trees. During your relaxing trip in the park, you can come across many interesting sights to witness, such as ruins, mosaics and many other antiquities. Moreover, arguably the most scenic area is a small pond with a charming bridge, where the only noise is provided by the birds and the water. There are also many other interesting things to do and see in the National Garden, but in all cases don`t forget your camera, because this place can recharge your energy as well.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2014, 09:18:11 AM »
8. Academy of Athens   



The Academy of Athens is an iconic cultural landmark, situated in the center of Athens. The building itself is a very impressive sight to witness, thanks to its incredible architectural style. The columns and the statues in front the facades transform the building of the Academy of Athens into one of the most remarkable and distinctive sights in the capital of Greece. The Academy is built in a Neoclassical architectural with marble as a main material. Two huge statues of Plato and Socrates, respectively, are situated at the foot of the main staircase that leads to the entrance. There are also two higher columns with statues of Athena and Appolo at their tops, to create the most picturesque scene for taking a picture. Overall, the Academy of Athens is definitely a place to include in your travel list.
« Last Edit: June 02, 2014, 09:19:52 AM by MysteRy »

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2014, 09:18:56 AM »
9. Syntagma Square



Right in front the Greek Parliament is situated another interesting place to visit - the Syntagma Square. This is one of the major attractions in central Athens, thanks to a crowded environment, where everyone is rushing to somewhere. However, there are also many people, who read a newspaper, sitting on a bench or people, who feed pigeons as well. In all cases, the Syntagma Square is a dynamic, beautiful and a colourful place to spend a few hours in open air. Moreover, you will be captivated by the view to the surrounding building, including the impressive building of the Greek Parliament. In addition, the Syntagma Square is a major transportation hub, because you can come across numerous main streets and metro stations, while a free broadband connects you with the world. A large fountain with two green areas grants an absolutely captivation.

Offline MysteRy

Re: ~ Top 10 Attractions in Athens, Greece ~
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2014, 09:20:58 AM »
10. Kerameikos   



Among the area of Kerameikos you can come across an ancient cemetery. A little strange as a major tourist attraction, but it is definitely a place worth visiting. Also situated in central Athens, the Kerameikos offers a plenty of funerary sculptures, ancient tombs and many other sights. The cemetery dates from nearly the 4th century BC and during a number of excavations is founded a wide variety of ancient artifacts, reliefs, shrines and sculptures. Another interesting place to visit is the Kerameikos Museum, where you can find numerous displays and exhibits of ancient burial monument sculptures, related relics and artifacts, marble sculptures, etc. Overall, the whole area of Kerameikos is a strange, but a very interesting sight to visit during a trip in downtown Athens.



A relaxing vacation, a business trip, a romantic getaway or just an impromptu trip - the city of Athens offers a perfect fit for everyone to enjoy a really captivating experience. Moreover, each vacation will be really unforgettable if visiting at least a few of the landmarks mentioned in the Top 10 attractions in Athens. Plus, don`t forget to make an album to show it to your friends.